An inspired Rico Gear helped Worcester book their place in the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup.

Gear touched down twice in the first half, along with scores by Miles Benjamin, Sam Tuitupou and Craig Gillies as the Warriors dominated.

But Montpellier, who scored through Fulgence Ouedraogo and Vasco Uva in the first half, rallied after the break.

Tries from Fabien Rofes and Warren Britz made it a nervy finish for Worcester, but they managed to hold on.

The Warriors will have home advantage in the semi-finals when they face fellow Premiership side Newcastle, who beat Castres later on Saturday, on the weekend of 26/27 April.

The winner of the competition, with Bath and Sale contesting the other semi-final, will qualify for next season's Heineken Cup.

Worcester coach Mike Ruddock:
"We were really good in the first half, but we let them get back into the game.

"After the break we couldn't quite get the clear ground we wanted. With the ball in hand we looked great and played with a lot of purpose and skill.

"But we didn't tackle to the same level and allowed a very good Montpellier side get back into the game."

Worcester: Delport, Gear, Rasmussen, Tuitupou, Benjamin, Drahm, Powell; Windo, Lutui, Taumoepeau, Rawlinson, Gillies, Hickey, Sanderson (capt), Horstmann.
Replacements: Mullan, Ruwers, Bowley, Quinnell, Carlisle, Arr, Pennell.

Montpellier: McHugh, Sarramea, Lespinas, Stoica, Kuzbik, Todeshini, Buada, Petit, Rofes, Toleafoa, Bret, Macurdy, Ouderaogo, Galtier, Uva.
Replacements: Diomande, Vaudaine, Goncalo Uva, Britz, Tomas, Taele, Thomas, Thiart.

Referee: George Clancy (Ire)